Naing Tun Aung, Kyaw Zeya, Min Thein and Pho Mar
Naing Tun Aung, Kyaw Zeya, Min Thein and Pho Mar live in Aung Tha Pyay village in Mandalay. They were arrested in May 2019 after taking part in a protest against the building of a Chinese-financed cement factory project. The residents of Aung Tha Pyay village have been opposed to the cement factory project for more than three years since it started in 2017 because it causes pollution and land confiscations.
During the protest in May 2019, security forces fired rubber bullets and tear gas at protesters. Naing Tun Aung, Kyaw Zeya, Min Thein and Pho Mar were among many villagers who were arrested for rioting.
Naing Tun Aung, Kyaw Zeya, Min Thein and Pho Mar were charged under Section 436 of Burma’s Penal Code for allegedly setting a building on fire in the factory’s compound. After nearly a year in detention, they were sentenced to 5 years imprisonment in March 2020.
They are currently serving their prison sentences in Obo prison in Mandalay.
Take Action
Write to the government of Burma
Key points to make:
- Highlight the case of Naing Tun Aung, Kyaw Zeya, Min Thein and Pho Mar.
- Express concern that political prisoners are still in jail.
- Call for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners in Burma.
- Call for the repeal or replacement of repressive laws which are used to jail political prisoners.
An airmail letter from United Kingdom to Myanmar (Burma) costs £1.42 You can check the cost and buy postage online here: https://send.royalmail.com/
Burmese Embassy London
Ambassador Kyaw Zwar Minn
Embassy of Myanmar
19a Charles Street
London W1J 5DX
Email: ambassadoroffice@londonmyanmarembassy.com
Burmese President
President U Win Myint
President’s Office
Office No. 18
Nay Pyi Taw
Myanmar
Minister of Home Affairs
Lt. Gen. Soe Htut Minister of Home Affairs
Ministry of Home Affairs
Office No. 10
Nay Pyi Taw
Myanmar
Email: mohamyanmar@gmail.com
Write to Naing Tun Aung, Kyaw Zeya, Min Thein and Pho Mar
We know that letters can get through to political prisoners, and that it makes a real difference to them when they receive a letter. It lets them know that they haven’t been forgotten, that people are working for their release, and that there is hope.
Write to Naing Tun Aung, Kyaw Zeya, Min Thein and Pho Mar here:
Naing Tun Aung, Kyaw Zeya, Min Thein and Pho Mar
C/O The governor of Obo Prison
Obo Prison
Mandalay
Myanmar
Letter writing tips:
- Letters can be as long or as short as you like. Even a half page letter is better than no letter at all!
- Tell them a little bit about yourself, your family, what you do.
- Tell them how you found out about their case.
- Say something about why you care and are taking the time to write this letter.
- Be encouraging, let them know that you and others will never give up campaigning for their release.
- If you have written to political prisoners before and they have been released, write about it. It will give them hope.
- Include an email address if you have one. When they are released they may be able to contact you.